9 Great Health-Care Jobs That Don't Require A Medical Degree

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, a common answer is "doctor." But when those children grow up, many find those dreams shift to another field in healthcare as they learn doctor is just one of many career paths.

With the aging boomers, the health-care field is growing fast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the health-care and social assistance sector is projected to gain the most jobs over any other sector between 2010 and 2020.

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If you're interested in the world of health and medicine, but becoming a doctor just isn't for you, consider one of these nine health-care occupation alternatives:

1. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians and vascular technologists*What they do: Cardiovascular technologists perform tests via imaging technology on the heart and vascular system to help physicians detect and diagnose heart and blood vessel conditions in patients. Most workers who enter this field receive an associate degree. Some technologists and technicians do get on-the-job training, but many employers also require professional certification.

2. Clinical and medical laboratory technicians and technologistsWhat they do: These technicians and technologists perform various tasks in a clinical lab, such as collecting samples and performing tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. In 2010, 52 percent of medical laboratory technologists and technicians worked in hospitals.

3. Dental assistantsWhat they do: Dental assistants help dentists with patients in a variety of ways. Tasks include making patients comfortable before procedures, sterilizing equipment, teaching patients about proper dental hygiene and scheduling appointments. Almost all dental assistants work in dental offices.

4. Dietitians and nutritionistsWhat they do: As food and nutrition experts, dietitians and nutritionists advise patients on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or reach certain weight goals. Most workers in this field have a bachelor's degree and have participated in supervised on-the-job training. Many states require dietitians and nutritionists to be licensed.

5. Dispensing opticiansWhat they do: Dispensing opticians fit patients with eyeglasses and contact lenses. Opticians typically have a high-school diploma or equivalent and some form of on-the-job training. Training may include technical instruction and sales and office management practices. Twenty-three states require opticians to be licensed. Depending on the state, opticians may also need to pass a state written exam, a state practical exam and/or certification exams.

6. Health information and medical records techniciansWhat they do: The responsibilities of health information and medical records technicians include collecting and organizing health data, updating national cancer registries and coding medical bills for insurance reimbursement. The job outlook for this occupation is strong, given that more hospitals are transitioning to electronic health records.

7. Home health and personal care aidesWhat they do: As the elderly population grows, the need for home health and personal care aides increases. These workers specifically help elderly, disabled or ill patients who aren't able to care for themselves independently. They help with everything from bathing and dressing to light housekeeping to dispensing medication. While most aides work in a client's home, others may work in group homes or care communities.

8. Pharmacy techniciansWhat they do: Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication. They also perform administrative tasks in pharmacies. While most technicians hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, some states require the completion of a formal training program and the passing of an exam. These technicians may work either full or part time in grocery or drugstore pharmacies or in hospitals.

9. Speech-language pathologistsWhat they do: Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, help people with communication and swallowing disorders caused by anything from stroke to hearing loss to emotional problems. In this role, workers assess, diagnose and treat patients. Some pathologists choose to work with specific age groups, or they may focus on treatments for specific communication or swallowing problems.